I know you think you’re tough! That you’re a creature from the depths of Hell. That you’ve rarely seen the light of day, blah blah… But for once, drop the act, because we’re about to overdose on sugar while reviewing Attractive Chaos‘s album Tame & Conquer, which promises to be more uplifting than reels of hamsters eating veggies. The promo even included a Shakespeare quote! What could be more uplifting than quoting the greatest tragic writer of his time? Okay, fine! He did write comedies too, but enough digressions. Let’s have some hope for once!
Attractive Chaos is so optimistic that I have a hard time believing this is Metal. Sure, there are harsh moments here and there, but the feeling of returning to a less complicated time permeates the album. Imagine your childhood, but without the bullying, and you’ll get an idea of the soundtrack we’re dealing with here. Is there cheese? Yes, but it’s sort of middle-of-the-scale cheese. It’s hard to explain, but I believe it comes from the fact that Attractive Chaos is sincere in its efforts to cheer us up. It’s not trying to be a melodramatic epic about swords or whatever people use these days to protect their virginity.
This is as clean and polished as it gets, but honestly, I don’t hate it, even if it alienated me in some parts, mostly around the middle of the album. It has all the signature moves of a Power/Symphonic band: angelic vocals, drums that mimic a good rave (I know, you’re concerned!), and a pace that won’t crush your patience too hard. I’m just happy it doesn’t sound like a Disney movie soundtrack (that’s your problem, Nightwish). Great, so someone who tends to dislike happy stuff doesn’t hate this, but what are the legitimate issues here?
If I’m fair and ignore my disdain for anything upbeat, I’d say my issue with Attractive Chaos is that I loved the first two tracks (“To the Moon” and “Magical Powers”), but no matter how many times I returned, the rest of the album didn’t hit me the same way. It’s not that it’s boring or that it sucks; it’s just that such highs are hard to keep going for several tracks. So, basically, it’s a matter of Tame & Conquer feeling uneven in its delivery, but it’s still fun. It made me feel silly a few times, but I guess that’s part of the vibe we’re going for here. Unadulterated joy, preferably mixed with beer and not with benzos (just don’t mix anything with benzos, okay?).
If you disagree with me that fun in life is terribly overrated and you want Metal your friends who like Spotify’s most popular list, then this is your way to be considered socially acceptable in their eyes. It’s sad that you have to fake it until you make it, but even there, we in the Metal community have got you covered. Good luck and give these guys a try!
Label: Self-released
Release date: 14 August, 2024
Website: http://www.attractive-chaos.com/
Country: France/Italy
Score: A fun sincere smile, or 3.0/5.0 if you want to kill the fun
Metal Eclipse Reviews 